The bill is set to adjust the financial dynamics for families dependent on public assistance and is expected to provide significant relief to low-income households. By raising the thresholds for child support retention, the legislation aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens these families experience. Critics of the current law argue that the previous limit of $50 was insufficient and, as such, this bill reflects a progressive step towards supporting family stability and child welfare. Additionally, the bill will enable families to maintain a level of financial independence by making the support payments more beneficial and manageable for those in need.
Senate Bill 337, introduced by Senator Skinner in February 2019, aims to amend the Family Code concerning child support provisions in California. The bill intends to increase the amount of child support that families receiving aid through the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program can retain. Presently, families can keep the first $50 of child support collected per month; SB337 proposes to raise this amount to $100 for families with one child and $200 for families with two or more children, effective January 1, 2022, or upon notification from the Department of Child Support Services. This change is designed to enhance financial support for low-income families and improve the well-being of children by allowing families to benefit more from received child support payments.
The sentiment around SB337 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates for low-income families and child welfare. Supporters laud the bill as a vital step in ensuring that children remain connected to their noncustodial parents and that families can better support themselves amidst economic challenges. However, some concern was raised regarding how this bill might affect the funding and operations of local child support agencies and their ability to enforce support obligations effectively, especially in the context of amendments regarding uncollectible support obligations.
A notable point of contention within the discussions surrounding SB337 involves the definitions and criteria for determining child support delinquencies. The bill includes provisions that allow local child support agencies to disregard certain arrears deemed uncollectible under specific conditions, potentially impacting the state’s revenue from child support collections. While some legislators argue that this will ease the pressure on families and allow for a more practical approach to support enforcement, others fear it may inadvertently weaken the collection process and create inconsistencies in how child support is managed across counties.